Will I Pass My STI to My Child?

If you are pregnant and have an STI, there is a chance that you could pass it to your child either during pregnancy or birth. It’s crucial that you take the necessary steps to protect yourself and others to minimize the risk of getting an STI, and if you already have one, you should seek medical care to start your path toward healing. STIs can be passed from a mother to her baby in several ways. Syphilis, for example, crosses the placenta and infects the developing baby in the womb. Certain STIs like gonorrhea and genital herpes can be given to the baby as they pass through the birth canal. And others, like HIV, can infect the baby during the delivery process.

What Does Having an STI Mean?

It is essential to understand all there is to know about having an STI, including the different types and how they are transmitted. STIs are

sexually transmitted infections

that are passed through sexual contact or bodily fluids. 

Certain STIs are easier to treat and can resolve quickly, while others take more intensive treatment and time. Moreover, if you don’t treat your STI, you can

acquire another STI

or develop problems such as infertility and certain cancers.

Two of the most common STIs are chlamydia and gonorrhea. Both are

bacterial infections

occurring in the genital tract. Symptoms of these infections include:

• Discharge from the penis or vagina

• Painful, difficult urination

• Itching

• Lower abdominal pain

Since some STIs are asymptomatic, you may not know whether you have one. For this reason, and to protect yourself, you should seek testing services as soon as possible. 

Where Can I Go for Testing?

Free or low-cost STI testing is usually offered at various places in your area, including local pregnancy centers, doctor’s offices, and pharmacies. Liberty Women’s Clinic offers

free STI testing

for gonorrhea and chlamydia, and we can help you with the next steps if you receive a positive result.

Contact us today

to learn more about and schedule STI testing. Or, if you are experiencing an unintended pregnancy, contact us to schedule a free and confidential

nurse consultation

. We’re here for you!